Stratton Upper School students don the famous Norwich City FC colours to mark the school's partnership with the club

Students at Stratton Upper School got to don the famous yellow and green of Norwich City FC for a showcase game to mark the school’s partnership with the club.

The experience provided students with a taste of what the football and education programme between the school and Norwich City FC Regional Development Programme will be like when it starts in September.

The yellow and green colours of the club, nicknamed the Canaries, will be lighting up the Premier League once again next season, as the club sealed promotion from the Championship after a stellar season.

Students were trained by the club’s coaches and encouraged to express themselves the ‘Norwich way’ by working hard as a team throughout the game.

Interest in the programme has been strong since it launched earlier in the year. The programme focuses on four key areas – study, train, play and experience, which the club feel significantly aid students’ development and can help them work towards a career pathway of their choice.

Recently appointed Associate Principal at the school, Luke Jones, who leads the PE and Sport curriculum, said: “The programme offers a mix of classroom education and football training with a focus on individual and team development.

"Many programmes only offer sport as an academic pathway, but we feel it is vital students have the flexibility to study education courses they are interested in to ensure their motivation remains high and they achieve the best possible standards

“We are extremely grateful to Norwich City FC RDP for delivering this great day of football to gives students a real taste of what the programme will be like.”

The scheme has also seen Norwich City RDP staff deliver weekly PE lessons for prospective students and host virtual presentations on the programme.

Norwich City FC Regional Development Programme (RDP) Football and Education Manager Pip Davis said: “A key part of the showcase game was to let students understand the Norwich Way.

"We believe this style of play is crucial for a young player’s development, and by providing this opportunity we aim to create excitement amongst students as to how the scheme can further their development.”

Other benefits of the programme include representing Norwich City FC RDP in the English College’s football league, playing against other professional, semi-professional clubs and local sixth form colleges.

All students will also have the chance to experience a range of opportunities in coaching, fitness, university open days, trips to the club’s stadium, Carrow Road, and many more, to make students aware of the possible carer pathways available to them following their two years on the programme.

Luke Jones added: “We are very proud to have this offer at the school. You don’t just join a school here, you become part of the Stratton community where you will be encouraged to strive for excellence and along the journey feel safe to discover your passions and become a lifelong learner.”

To learn more about Stratton Upper School you can visit its website.